9ft by 3ft portrait.
Colored pencil.
Working with colored pencils, Grey has translated the ideas of self-reflection in a battle with vulnerability.
Detail of piece
Working with this impressive size, she chose to use colored pencils to create a push and pull and show the relationship of opposites. She chose this medium because the small pencil point meant a prolonged effort (there is no shortcut when doing the work of self-awareness). Finding the ground, the piece curls beckoning like a welcome mat as the message keeps the viewer at a distance. Although the “welcome mat” is out, the viewer cannot approach the piece because it’s physically blocking access.
Her hope for “NOT HERE AT YOUR BECK AND CALL” is to entice the viewer with introspection, the emergence of boundaries, and growth allowing the opportunity to find familiarity and validation through self-recognition. Drawing herself in this oversized manner (3' x 9’) required a willingness to really look at herself.
She chose to display the piece as a banner with the subject’s eyes level with the viewers’, inviting participation in a symbiotic moment. Ghosting the text from the portrait reveals negative space creating codependency between portrait and message.
The electric colors, and the details of the face -specifically the eyes, were intended to convey complexity of our inner work and a willingness to really see ourselves.
The creation.
Map out your space & sketch .
Fill in the space.
